Juventus travel to Spain to take on Sevilla in a finely-poised Europa League semi-final with plenty at stake for both sides.
Sevilla have shown in the past that their league form will have no consequences on their European dream. They had this type of character when playing under Unai Emery, winning the Europa League or UEFA Cup with fair regularity. Sevilla may have rekindled that intensity this time, and they are set to face Juventus in a finely poised second-leg semifinal in Seville.
In the first leg, Sevilla continued where they left off against Manchester United. They came to Turin knowing the cagey character of Juventus at their home ground but got the upper hand through a Youssef En-Nesyri goal. The Spanish side held their nerve and were on the verge of a famous victory over the Serie A giants.
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— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) May 17, 2023
Federico Gatti had different plans, as he netted a late equaliser to put the game back in no man’s land. Moreover, they have good form after back-to-back wins in the league against Girona and Real Valladolid. Everything points towards an entertaining game at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, with everything at stake.
Sevilla and Juventus must win the Europa League to play in next season’s Champions League.Β Los Nervionenses have much more at stake compared to their Italian counterparts. However, Massimiliano Allegri’s men have pride on the line as they would want to win silverware for their fans.
Juventus saw off Nantes, SC Freiburg and Sporting CP relatively comfortably. But they have consistently struggled for relevance when visiting Spain. They have lost 12 of their last 17 away games to the country, picking up only two wins and one clean sheet in the process.
Juventus come into this game in a good run of form and under pressure to qualify for the Champions League. Allegri would hope for a stellar performance in Seville and give their fans hope of a trophy before a controversial season ends.
Team News & Tactics
Sevilla
Sevilla will miss the services of Joan Jordan and Marcao through injury. The Spanish side could have Lucas Ocampos back in the squad after missing the first leg. The Argentine could return to the front four and take his place on the right wing.
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— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) May 17, 2023
Ivan Rakitic and Fernando are expected to keep their midfield places and support the four attackers operating in front. Oliver Torres will take up the advanced No.10 role, while Papu Gomez could replace Bryan Gil on the left side of the attack after scoring at the weekend.
At the back, Sevilla will start with a familiar back four, with Bono firmly settled between the sticks. Jesus Navas is the apparent candidate at right back, while Loic Bade and Nemanja Gudelj are preferred in central defence. Argentine Marcos Acuna will begin the game from his usual left-back spot.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1):Β Bono; Navas, Bade, Gudelj, Acuna; Fernando, Rakitic; Ocampos, Torres, Gomez; En-Nesyri
Juventus
At least four key first-team stars are missing for Massimiliano Allegri ahead of the Sevilla trip. Midfielder Paul Pogba, who had only recently returned from a long-term injury, went off against Cremonese with another problem. The Frenchman is not expected to feature in Spain.
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— JuventusFC π¬π§πΊπΈ (@juventusfcen) May 17, 2023
Mattia De Sciglio, Kaio Jorge and Leonardo Bonucci are the other absentees from the trip. Tactically, Allegri may not make any changes at all and may look to field a familiar starting lineup against Sevilla. Manuel Locatelli will start at the base of this Juventus midfield, with Nicolo Fagioli and Adrien Rabiot on either side.
Allegri can refresh his midfield through Fabio Miretti and Leandro Paredes. But those are only from the bench. At the back, the manager will have his usual three defenders in Gleison Bremer with Danilo and Alex Sandro on either side.
In the attack, Allegri will likely keep Federico Chiesa on the bench again while keeping faith in some of his regulars this season. Angel Di Maria will continue playing a withdrawn role behind the central striker, while Dusan Vlahovic remains the prime candidate to lead the line.
Probable Lineup (3-5-1-1):Β Szczesny; Danilo, Bremer, Sandro; Cuadrado, Fagioli, Locatelli, Rabiot, Kostic; Di Maria; Vlahovic
Key Stats
- Sevilla have lost only one of their last 11 games in all competitions.
- Sevilla have won four of the last nine Europa League titles.
- In 2023, Sevilla have won ten of their 13 competitive games on home soil.
- Juventus are unbeaten in their last five competitive matches.
- Juventus have lost 12 times in 17 visits to Spain.
Player to Watch
Dusan Vlahovic
The Serbian striker was quiet in the reverse fixture in Turin. But Massimiliiano Allegri will hope he receives his recent upturn in form and produce a match-winning display away in Spain. Vlahovic has a point to prove to his doubters, and the clash against Sevilla will come at the right time for the striker.
Juventus lacked firepower up front in the return leg but showcased their cagey nature at the back despite conceding that opening goal. However, Allegri will want his side to play with the handbrake off and to achieve goals up front, Vlahovic will have to play a vital role. And amid links over a Premier League move, the Serb will be keen to make his mark
Prediction
Sevilla 2-1 Juventus
A month or so ago, nobody in their right mind would have thought of Sevilla as a possible Europa League finalist. The Spanish giants have successfully revived their wretched form domestically to produce intense performances in all competitions, especially in Europe.
Their win on home soil against Manchester United in the previous round will give them the confidence to see off another giant in the form of Juventus. The Bianconeri will come here with the intention of winning. But Sevilla may have the momentum to nick this game narrowly and move into the Final.
